Cincinnati, Ohio – In the early hours of Sunday, October 7, 2024, a devastating crash in Clermont County claimed the lives of five people, including 18-year-old Dezmen Jernigan.
The accident occurred around 1:43 a.m. on State Route 28 near Edenton Pleasant Plain Road, involving two vehicles – a 2005 Chrysler 300 and a 2007 Subaru Legacy.
According to preliminary reports, the Chrysler, driven by 25-year-old Mathew Penny, collided with the Subaru, driven by 43-year-old Dustin McDole, as it attempted to cross the highway.
Both cars veered off the road into a nearby ditch upon impact.
Dezmen Jernigan, who was a passenger in the Chrysler, tragically died at the scene, alongside Mathew Penny and Chloe Love, 19, who were also in the vehicle.
The Subaru’s passengers, Andrea Iery, 42, and McDole, also lost their lives.
One survivor, 18-year-old Ayden Taylor, remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
The Clermont County Coroner’s Office, along with local law enforcement and emergency services, responded to the crash.
Witnesses described the scene as catastrophic, with significant damage to both vehicles.
Kenneth May, a local resident who witnessed the collision, remarked, “It was like a Hollywood movie… it’s awful.”
Social media has been flooded with condolences.
Aiden Croley posted, “Rest In Paradise to my brother Dezmen Jernigan 4ever in my heart, you will live through me.”
Brian Patton Burt added, “Sorry for your loss.”